Events

Lesson 3: Five Common Missouri Fish-Their Anatomy, Habitat, and Life Cycle combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families basic biological concepts and functions specific to largemouth bass, bluegill, hybrid sunfish, channel catfish and rainbow trout. Participants will learn the different components of fish anatomy and their functions. In addition, participants will learn about various types of fish habitat and aquatic food webs.
Lesson 4: Fishing with Lures and Fishing Regulations combines instruction with hands-on fishing to teach young anglers and families how to properly select a fishing lure based on desired fish species, weather and water conditions. In addition, participants will learn how to identify and understand fishing regulations. Fishing equipment, instructors/coaches and bait/lures will be provided. All children ages 5-15 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Participants must have completed Lessons 1 and 2 prior to attending Lesson 3 & 4. Participants do not need a fishing permit to fish during this program.

Participants will be asked to maintain safe social distance from staff and other participants who are not their family membersembers during this program.

Each participant must sign up for this program individually. For assistance with registration please contact the program instructor.

Registration required (all ages) Tagging monarchs is a large-scale citizen science effort that began in 1992 across North America to understand the dynamics of the fall migration. You will have the opportunity to join the 2020 tagging effort at the Discovery Center. Participants will learn about the value of tagging and use nets to capture, tag and release monarchs.

Registration required (all ages)
Autumn in Missouri is full of wonderful natural color and style. Why not decorate ourselves in this seasonal beauty? We will be learning about Missouri trees and their fall color and using fabric paint, leaf stamps and preserved leaves to decorate an article of clothing (one print per person). Bring in your own shirt (or use fabric pieces provided) and transform it into a colorful forest work of art.

Registration required (all ages) Let's pause and enjoy the season of change and beauty, a family scavenger hunt made for a crew or even just one. Stop in at the Discovery Center to get your instructions and your set of challenges. You'll be looking inside and out for some of nature's treasures.

Registration required (all ages) Peek behind the scenes of the Discovery Center animal exhibits. Join us as we care for our turtles, amphibians and fish and see what these animals eat. A naturalist will be available to answer any of your questions.

Registration required (all ages) The transition from summer to fall is taking place. Join our native landscape specialist to talk about tips and tricks to help you enjoy your fall blooms and get your beds ready for winter. Bring your questions about pruning, weeding and maintaining order in your fall garden.

Registration required (all ages) Fall is the finest time to forage for fruits and nuts of the forest. Come experience our harvest table of wild mushrooms, hickory nuts, walnuts and fruits like pawpaws and persimmons. There will be taste tests and a few wild recipes to try. Dress for the weather. We will be outside for a beautiful crisp fall day!

Registration required (all ages)
Join us at the Education Pond to learn about Dutch Oven Cooking and more! We will give a short program on Dutch Oven basics and other outdoor cooking methods, then you will help prepare a delicious meal and dessert. Leave with a happy taste buds and recipes. This program is at the W. Robert Aylward Educational Pond.

Registration required for youngsters only (ages 0-36 mon)
Don’t miss the fun! Hike out with your little one to the Bethany Falls Trail, voted #1 in Kansas City! “Falls” refer to the unique limestone boulders that we will explore. We’ll stop to play and take pictures.

Registration required (ages 8+) Nature provides incredible inspiration and one-of-a-kind art supplies. Join us as we explore the native habitats at the Discovery Center and gather stems, leaves, berries, nuts, grasses, feathers and other treasures from Fall. Step back inside and use your creative side as you create your own unique nature art!

Registration required (ages 8+) Nature provides incredible inspiration and one-of-a-kind art supplies. Join us as we explore the native habitats at the Discovery Center and gather stems, leaves, berries, nuts, grasses, feathers and other treasures from Fall. Step back inside and use your creative side as you create your own unique nature art!

Registration required for youngsters only (ages 3-5 with an adult)
When we think about autumn colors, we often think of leaves changing from green to red. However, did you know leaves are not the only color changes that happen during fall? Come with us on a colorful exploration of our forever changing natural realm!